Judge Christine Ward

Allegheny County Judge Christine Ward has essentially ordered West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS) to renew negotiations with Highmark, declaring that WPAHS cannot talk to any other possible suitor without breaching its original affiliation agreement.

They were once partners, and both say they are open to partnering again. But on Thursday in court, West Penn Allegheny and Highmark accused each other of breaking the original deal that would have merged the hospital system with this region’s largest health insurer.